Fashion Merchandising and Management Major

The Fashion Merchandising and Management major provides you with a deep understanding of all of the elements of merchandising, marketing, and management in the fashion world. With these skills, you'll be prepared for working in business operations in the fashion industry.

You will learn to develop merchandising strategies, both visual and digital, and be able to use analytics skills to make strategic merchandising decisions, including merchandise planning, inventory management, allocation, and buying.

Courses will teach you how to assess the challenges of sourcing, supply chain management, and elements of the fashion system’s value chain, considering issues that impact it, including sustainability. In a senior Capstone project, you will work collaboratively with peers and industry professionals in the design, execution, and presentation of a final project that you will deliver to executives at a company.

Program Features

Earn industry-recognized certificates as part of your coursework through HubSpot and Google Academy.
Gain professional experience through internships at places like New Balance, TESStylist, Puma among many others.
Learn copywriting and content development skills using contemporary technologies and software. Create and develop fashion websites and applications.
Study the art of fashion styling and creative visual approaches in the world of Omnichannel commerce.
Travel to NYC to visit fashion offices, major retail conferences, and apparel trade shows. ·
Study abroad with international fashion institutions in programs like Fashion in Paris, Florence, or Barcelona.
Volunteer and work in local fashion events, like Boston Fashion Week.
Join student clubs like Fashion Styling, DECA, and our award-winning Polished magazine.
Learn from industry specific faculty, opening doors to connected learning.
Partner with a company through the Senior Capstone to develop and pitch strategic business solutions to executives. Partners have included Puma, Reebok, Timberland, and Sperry.

What You'll Learn

From your first day, you’ll take courses in your major and advance towards graduation with a yearly plan. Not sure what classes to take? We’ll help you create the perfect plan.

Courses and Sample 4-Year Plan

Year 1

This example four-year plan is provided as a broad framework that you can follow in order to complete your degree within four years. Be sure to always consult your academic advisor before registering for classes.

FASH101

The Business of Fashion

The Business of Fashion is a survey course that takes an interdisciplinary approach to the fashion business as it relates to cultural, historic, economic, and contemporary influences, giving students a basic understanding of the terms and concepts associated with the fashion and retail industries. The concepts and practices developed are applicable to the many career paths possible within the Fashion Industry. Topics include: technological applications, environmental influences on fashion, the fashion cycle, trend forecasting, fashion marketing, women's, men's, and children's apparel, supply chain management, product development, foreign and domestic market centers, and retail merchandising on multiple platforms.

BUSS105

Excel for Business

This course introduces students to basic Microsoft Excel skills. Excel is an electronic spreadsheet program used for storing, organizing and manipulating data. It is critical to the business world today as the volume of data generated has exploded. This introductory course will provide students with information and skills needed to create basic workbooks and worksheets, create simple formulas, copy and move data, format data and cells, work in large spreadsheets and with data series, create pivot tables, and more. As part of this course, all students will have the opportunity to become certified in Microsoft Excel through the professional certification called Microsoft Office Specialist: Excel 2016 – Core Data Analysis, Manipulation, and Presentation. The certification also comes with an electronic badge. Students are also introduced to Income Statements, Balance Sheets, Statement of Cash Flows, Ratios, and the Basic Accounting Cycle.

WRT101

Writing I

In this course, students gain understanding of and confidence in strategies for effective writing by composing and reading in a variety of genres. The course emphasizes writing as a process and focuses on the rhetorical choices writers make. Students engage critically with sources by examining how genre, context, purpose, credibility, and bias work together to create meaning and impact audiences. Students who choose to take Writing I Workshop are provided with time during class to work on their writing while the instructor and a writing tutor are present to provide assistance. Students must earn a “C” or higher in order to pass this course

FYS103

First Year Seminar

The First Year Seminar (FYS) is part of the Core Curriculum and a requirement for all incoming first year students and transfer students with fewer than 15 credits. The First Year Seminar is a theme-based inquiry course that engages students in a specific area of interest while providing support for a smooth transition into the Lasell University community and the Connected Learning philosophy. Through studying an academic topic, students develop and apply core intellectual skills and receive an introduction to the core knowledge perspectives. At the same time, students connect to the experiences and people that make up the Lasell University Community. Course outcomes are accomplished through engaging activities including reading, writing, class discussions, presentations, team projects, field trips, and exploration of campus resources. Civic engagement and service-learning activities are often part of this course as is participation in the Connected Learning Symposium. Through the seminar, students develop close ties with faculty and peer mentors who serve as advocates for first year students' academic success. Past course titles have included: The Immigrant Experience, Fashion & Film of the 20th Century, The Social History of Rock & Roll, Exploring Cultures & Languages, The Spark of Creativity, Women and Sports, and Latin America: Food And Traditions. This requirement may be fulfilled by taking either FYS103 or HON101 (for students enrolled in the Honors Program).

MATH106

Mathematical Reasoning

This course is the foundational course for mathematical and quantitative reasoning at Lasell College. Mathematical reasoning is the critical skill that enables a student to solve real-world problems involving quantitative analysis by making use of particular mathematical skills. Through the development of their mathematical reasoning skills, students will recognize the power of mathematics in its own right as well as its relevance in the real world. Students will develop and enhance their mathematical reasoning skills through a project/application-based curriculum supported by readily available current technological tools and topics that will include, but not be limited to, the following: solving systems of equations, linear programming, statistical, and graphical data analysis.

ARTS126

Fundamentals of Visual Art (KP)

This course is an introduction to the basic principles and strategies for visual art-making and art appreciation, with an emphasis on developing an awareness and sensitivity to art as an integral part of one's life and as a way to complement one's aesthetic needs. This is a lecture course with studio art-making modules designed to complement visual material, critical essays, museum/gallery trips and impart basic skills in visual communication.

MATH116

Merchandising and Financial Mathematics

This course focuses on retail mathematics. Topics include simple and compound interest, the time-value of capital, annuities, amortization, sinking funds, bond and investment, business problem-solving and decision making. Other topics include profit, loss, and break-even analysis, pricing, inventory, and merchandise planning. The course introduces basic theories of statistics. Prerequisite: MATH 106 with a grade of C or better or through placement testing.

WRT102

Writing II

This course is a continuation of Writing I and focuses on research and public writing. Theme-based courses provide students with lenses to explore issues of interest and develop their reading, research, and writing skills. Students work with a topic of their choice, broadly based on the course theme. Assignments build upon each other, lead up to a researched position paper, and culminate in a public piece. Students who choose to take Writing II Workshop are provided with time during class to work on their writing while the instructor and a writing tutor are present to provide assistance. Students must earn a grade of “C” or higher in order to pass this course. Prerequisite: WRT 101

SOC104X

Equity & Intersectionality(KP)

Equity & Intersectionality(KP)

FASH102

The Fashion Consumer

The Fashion Consumer examines the psychological and sociological variables that shape the fashion consumer’s decision-making process. The wants and needs of consumers are explored through an understanding of attitudes, and purchase motivation. Students consider internal and external influencing factors, including the influence of social media and technology, the potential impact of government regulation, the consumer’s perception of self, and their perceived social and ethical responsibilities. The goal of building a strategy towards a satisfied and loyal customer is at the heart of the conversation.

Year 2

FASH201

Merchandise Planning and Control

Merchandise Planning and Control provides an understanding of business strategies related to assortment planning, buying, and allocating inventory. Building upon retail math and excel fundamentals, students create stock and sales plans in accordance with the goals and objectives of a given seasonal sales strategy, including methods of figuring markups, sales projections, turnover, average stock, stock-to-sales ratios, open-to-buy, markdowns, and gross margin. Negotiation skills related to terms of sale, shipping and pricing strategies are explored within the wholesale/retail business relationship. Both manual and computer-based calculations are explored through the use of Microsoft Excel. Prerequisites: FASH101, MATH116, & BUSS105 or FASH105

FASH210

Textiles

Textiles introduces the study of textiles through exploration of the production of fibers and methods of creating fabrics. Students learn to identify fiber content, properties and various types of weaving and knitting applications. Other topics include the study of fiber characteristics, quality and care of fabric finishes, and a practical assessment of fabrics in relationship to particular end-uses.

FASH211

Omnichannel Management and Operations

Omnichannel Management and Operations provides students with an understanding of the principles of Retail Management and Operations in both the physical and digital realms. Topics include: the changing nature of the omnichannel environment, principles of strategic planning, organizational structures and design, management skills and HR practices, store planning both on and offline, customer service in a world of connected platforms, global impact of the industry, and an introduction to backend operations and supply chain management. Applications of these principles are explored through course discussion, case studies, papers, and readings. Prerequisites: FASH101 & ECON101

HIST104

World Civ II:

This Knowledge Perspective course will provide students with the opportunity to interpret and analyze the complex interrelationships and inequities in human societies in a global historical context. Emphasizing the interrelatedness and mutuality of influence between East and West, we examine questions of exclusiveness, intolerance, and cooperation. Prerequisite: ENG101 with a C or better

CHEM105

Chemistry of Fashion (KP)

This course examines the connections between chemistry and fashion. This course is a lab centered course where students will explore topics such as light and its’ properties; the nature of color; effects of environmental factors such as acids and bases, and oxidation on dyes; synthesis and use of dyes, paints, and pigments. The laboratory procedures apply chemical theory and techniques to learn the chemistry behind materials used in fashion. Students will use spectroscopy and other methods of chemical investigation to examine materials used in art and fashion. Students will conduct inquiry-based projects focusing on areas of interest.

ECON101

Principles of Econ-Micro

This course is an introduction to the principles of the economic behavior of individuals, firms, and industries in the mixed economic system. Topics include consumer demand; elasticity; supply and costs of production; the allocation of economic resources; international trade; and the role of government in promoting economic welfare.

FASH219

Fashion Industry Professional Development

Fashion Industry Professional Development is designed to prepare students for entering and building careers in the professional work environment. Students reflect and analyze both themselves and the industry to identify and develop a comprehensive plan for pursuing professional objectives. Students’ professional strategies yield specific, actionable plans and a suite of materials to prepare them for entering the job market. The final outcome is a personal branding suite, including traditional job application materials as well as a digital brand presence and portfolio of industry-relevant course outcomes. Professional communication skills are developed, including networking, job searching, and interviewing. Upon completion of the course, students demonstrate a preparedness for a required internship experience. Prerequisite: FASH102

BUSS220

Principles of Marketing

In this course, the fundamentals of marketing are explored for practical application in today's business environment. The process of creating value for customers by utilizing the tools of marketing -- market segmentation, targeting and positioning, marketing research and communications, product development, channels of distribution, and pricing -- are explored with a project-based, interactive approach. Additionally, there is a service learning component included in this course that enables students to further apply the course concepts while working to advance a participating non-profit organization. Prerequisites: BUSS101, COM101, HEM101, HEM102, FASH101, or SMGT102 AND ENG102 or WRT102.

FASH207

Digital Tools for Fashion

Digital Tools for Fashion equips students with the technical skills and understanding of how to use a variety of software applications, an increasingly in-demand skill in all capacities of the fashion industry. The course introduces students to software used in apparel manufacturing, retail, and media. With a focus on methods of visual communication, projects include technical drawing, colorization, editing, integration and manipulation of photographic images, and video editing basics.

MDSC203

Multidisciplinary Experience

In this project-based course, students explore a social or intellectual problem using at least two knowledge perspectives. Faculty and students follow a collaborative process of exploration, discussion, and problem solving that integrates knowledge perspectives and core intellectual skills.

000

Elective or Minor Course

Choose an Elective or Minor course

Year 3

FASH200

Fashion History I:Imperial Societies to Industrial Revolution

Fashion History I: Imperial Societies to Industrial Revolution surveys the history of prevailing dress and material culture from Ancient Egypt into the nineteenth century, expanding upon a general understanding of shifting modes to examine the symbolism of fashion from extensive perspectives. Students develop a context for fashion and its relation to aesthetic expression and function within various societies over time. Using an interdisciplinary approach, students examine a range of scholarly resources that pertain to the field, including The Lasell Fashion Collection. This is a writing intensive course. Prerequisite: WRT102 or Permission of Instructor

FASH212

Visual and Digital Merchandising

Visual and Digital Merchandising introduces students to the art of visual and digital presentation as a tool to support business strategy and enhance brand and messaging. Students develop and apply color, aesthetic, and design awareness to develop impactful visual messages and presentations in varied environments – both on and offline. Students are challenged to think about visual and digital merchandising as a way to create engaging experiences that prompt product discovery and inspire purchase. Creating brand aesthetic, strategically positioning product, communicating design concepts, styling merchandise for optimal salability, and all modes of creative visual solutions are central to visual and digital merchandising. The curation of these efforts is explored relative to the various platforms that consumers engage with: social, mobile, traditional retail, and ecommerce. Prerequisites: ARTS126 & FASH101

FASH309

Apparel Product Development

Apparel Product Development explores the global product development matrix in the apparel industry. Students work together in teams to explore the product lifecycle in terms of sourcing and production. Topics covered include: supply chain management, design calendars, apparel product price points, brand differentiation, product distribution channels, trend forecasting services, color management, specification and technical package development, sizing, quality control, ethics, and evaluation of the global production environment. Prerequisite: FASH211 or FASD220

DSCI202

Business Analytics

This course provides the conceptual and technical foundations of various aspects of Data Analytics. The purpose is to prepare students with foundation skills in Big Data, a skill widely needed and valued across the business world. The course will expose students to the data analytics practices executed in the business world and explores key areas of the analytical process, how data is created, stored, accessed, and how organizations work with data and creates the environment in which analytics can flourish. This course will provide students with a strong foundation in all the areas that support analytics and will help them to better position themselves for success within any organization. This course provides the conceptual and technical foundations of various aspects of Big Data Analytics, including cloud computing, NoSQL Databases, predictive and prescriptive analytics. Prerequisite: MATH208 or MATH209.

FASH315

Trend Forecasting and Analytics

Trend Forecasting and Analytics introduces students to theories, frameworks, and methodologies used to analyze and forecast fashion trends and change. Major macro themes that impact trends are explored, including cultural and societal issues and all elements of zeitgeist. The ability to recognize emerging trends and anticipate aesthetic preferences coupled with the aptitude to ground style intel in concrete numbers and analysis via sales and inventory level forecasts, market data, predictive analytics, and other tools prepares students for both the art and science of formulating a sound fashion forecast. Students also explore the applications, function, and purpose of forecasts within the fashion company. Prerequisite: FASH200, May Take Concurrently

FASH308

Fashion Event Production

Fashion Event Production explores the dynamic components of fashion events. Students develop a working knowledge of event planning and management. A major outcome of the course is a professional large-scale event that is planned, coordinated, managed, and produced by students in the course. Students are responsible for all elements of event preparation, promotion, and all logistics of event execution. Students think strategically about events, from concept to structure to audience experience, and more. The course emphasizes hands-on learning experiences, teamwork, communication, and collaboration as essential elements of successful event production. Prerequisite: FASH211 or FASM218

BUSS325

Sales Principles

Students in this course will analyze salesmanship in modern business with emphasis placed on the principles and techniques of individual selling styles in both retail and wholesale markets. Topics covered include: dramatization of the sale presentation; the selling role; buyer characteristics and motivations; modern sales practices; corporate sales planning; sales-force policies; time and territory management; forecasting, budgeting; and expense control. Prerequisite: BUSS220

000

Elective or Minor Course

Choose an Elective or Minor course

PHIL302

Ethical Reasoning

This course will address the interaction between the lives we lead and the application of traditional (and some nontraditional) ethical theories and principles to important decision points in our lives. Students will take on real-life ethical problems and dilemmas for each class; each student will be responsible for presenting a number of issues, as well as for guiding the discussion of those issues in class. The problems we address will largely span a lifetime of experiences and concerns. Students will also write several papers that evaluate formal arguments, using standard tools of critical thinking and philosophy. The course is discussion based, so a willingness to read carefully, to think critically, and to engage in classroom presentations and discussions is essential. Prerequisite: Junior standing, MDSC203 & ENG102.

Year 4

FASH307

Fashion Brand Management

Fashion Brand Management introduces students to the myriad of concepts associated with fashion branding and an analysis of brand management theory. Methods for building brand identity, awareness, recognition, loyalty, extensions, and equity are explored, including an examination of the impact of advertising, marketing, thematic control and integrated marketing communications on the perceived value of fashion brands. The course considers influences such as social media, iconic brand ambassadors, cultural branding, and omnichannel communications. Tactics and techniques for influencing brand perception and associations as well as developing a brand ethos and strategy are also covered. External environmental factors that influence brand and the branding process are studied. The brand management process is discussed from inception to consumption and analyzed through contemporary case studies. This course is writing-intensive. Prerequisite: FASH102

FASH410

Fashion Supply Chain Management

Fashion Supply Chain Management exposes students to elements of the global supply chain. Students learn supply chain functions, from raw materials to consumer. Content includes organizational logistics, sourcing and production, inventory and information systems. The course focuses on the apparel and textile industry and discusses Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and associated global factors that impact the supply chain. Students gain an understanding of how the fashion industry supply chain relates to various roles in a fashion company, from designer to merchandiser and beyond, creating value for the consumer and to the benefit of the organization. Prerequisites: FASH309 & MATH209

FASH407

Digital Commerce and Analytics

Digital Commerce and Analytics explores the dynamics of the fast growing digital space in the retail industry. The course prepares students to understand the underpinnings of both the front and back end of ecommerce website and app development, the digital consumer and their behaviors, UX design (user experience) and the end-to-end consumer journey. Students apply critical thinking skills to assess web and app functionality, ease of navigation, and ways to engage the consumer in the virtual world. Students analyze the impact of ecommerce on business models and strategy, as well as the infrastructure of these operations. The course includes retail analytics with an emphasis on both qualitative and quantitative analysis used to track behavior and conversion. Prerequisites: BUSS 105, MATH 209, & FASH 211

000

Elective, 5th Year, or Minor Course

Choose an Elective, 5th year, or Minor course

000

Elective, 5th Year, or Minor Course

Choose an Elective, 5th year, or Minor course

FASH415

Fashion Industry Internship Seminar

Fashion Industry Internship Seminar is four-credits and includes a field placement and course. Fashion industry exposure and real-world experience is paramount to the fashion student. Supported with resources, students explore the job market to identify challenging, value-adding internship positions during which they gain practical, hands-on industry experience. On-the-job industry exposure is an opportunity to synthesize and apply concepts, theories, and techniques previously learned, both leveraging and adding to industry skill sets and knowledge. Internship experience and seminar learning outcomes include: (1) exposure to and strengthened command of industry dynamics and fashion business operations, (2) first-hand experience in the professional working environment, (3) acquisition of professional skills required for industry and career readiness, and (4) resume and professional network growth. Students complete self-reflection and critical analysis of the internship organization and experience, as well as receive feedback and evaluation from the internship site supervisor. A minimum of 150 hours of supervised onsite work is required and should be in an area of the industry aligned with students’ career objectives. Internship field placement is subject to the approval of the Internship Coordinator and the Lasell University application process and requirements outlined therein. Prerequisites: FASH219 & FASH207 or FASD220

FASH427

Fashion Industry Capstone

Fashion Industry Capstone is the culmination of the Fashion Merchandising and Management and Fashion Media and Marketing programs. The course synthesizes previous academic, professional, and relevant co-curricular experiences, leveraging knowledge and skills from prior courses, specializations and minors, internship experiences, industry engagement and employment, etc. The course partners with a real company for the duration of the semester and students act as a consulting agency for the firm. Following initial meetings with the company and from analysis and diagnostic assessment of the organization’s position, a comprehensive strategic plan is developed and ultimately presented to senior executive management members within the company. The project involves a company analysis, a review of the competitive landscape, a study of market conditions and trend analysis, and development of a promotional strategy, product mix planning, the proposal of options for new strategic initiatives and an outline of benchmarks to measure feasibility, success, and outcomes. Prerequisite: FASH415, May Take concurrently

FASH406

Global Perspectives and Markets in the Fashion Industry

Global Perspectives and Markets in the Fashion Industry explores varied facets of global fashion. Students interpret world perspectives through the study of international markets, including fashion marketing and the global consumer, and omnichannel management in a dynamic business environment. This includes discussion topics of importing and exporting in the retail sector, world economies’ impact on intercontinental commerce, and the diverse cultural contexts of the industry. Prerequisite: FASH211

000

Elective, 5th Year, or Minor Course

Choose an Elective, 5th year, or Minor course

000

Elective, 5th Year, or Minor Course

Choose an Elective, 5th year, or Minor course

Certifications

Earn industry-recognized certificates as part of your courses in the degree in Fashion Merchandising and Management program.

Six Sigma - Aveta Business Institute
Google Analytics - Google Academy
Digital Marketing - Google Garage
Video Production - HubSpot
Microsoft Office Specialist: Excel – Core Data Analysis, Manipulation, and Presentation - Microsoft
NRF Business of Retail - National Retail Federation
NRF Retailing Principles - National Retail Federation
CRM - Salesforce

FASH307

Fashion Brand Management

FASH410

Fashion Supply Chain Management

FASH407

Digital Commerce and Analytics

000

Elective, 5th Year, or Minor Course

Choose an Elective, 5th year, or Minor course

000

Elective, 5th Year, or Minor Course

Choose an Elective, 5th year, or Minor course

FASH415

Fashion Industry Internship Seminar

FASH427

Fashion Industry Capstone

FASH406

Global Perspectives and Markets in the Fashion Industry

000

Elective, 5th Year, or Minor Course

Choose an Elective, 5th year, or Minor course

000

Elective, 5th Year, or Minor Course

Choose an Elective, 5th year, or Minor course

4-Year Plan

Student and Alumni Perspective

"I was able to get two degrees within 5 years and saved a significant amount of money."

Caroline St. Croix '23 G'24

Fashion Media and Marketing

Learning Outcomes

Develop an awareness of aesthetic and style, yielding a 'trained eye' for the fashion industry.
Understand and develop merchandising strategies, both visual and digital.
Leverage analytics skills to make strategic merchandising decisions, including merchandise planning, control, allocation, and buying.
Demonstrate fashion forecasting and analysis ability, understanding the role of data analytics and trend forecasting insights.
Assess the challenges of sourcing, supply chain management, and elements of the fashion system’s value chain, considering issues that impact it, including sustainability.
Work collaboratively with peers and industry professionals in the design, execution, and presentation of a Capstone project.

For a complete list of courses and learning outcomes, view the Academic Catalog

Career Outlook

Our students have interned with:

Karhu
NewStore
TESstylist
New Balance
KB Fashion Productions
Wayfair
Marc Jacobs
Dick’s Sporting Goods

Our alumni work for:

The TJX Companies, Inc.
Burlington Coat Factory
Nic+Zoe
PUMA Group
Rue Gilt Groupe
Converse
Wolverine Worldwide
Ann Inc.
Dick's Sporting Goods

Beyond the Classroom

Fashion in Paris

The Fashion in Paris course brings together designers, communications, and merchandising students for hands-on exposure to the global fashion industry.

POLISHED Magazine

Gain practical experience as a writer, editor, photographer, stylist, producer, and designer with our award-winning, student-run fashion magazine.

Studio 1851

Apply the decision-making, leadership, accounting, visual, merchandising, and marketing skills you learn in the classroom to Lasell's Retail Innovation Lab on campus, studio1851.

NRF Student Association

Lasell's membership in the National Retail Federation's Student Association (NRF) offers industry news, networking, and attendance at NRF's annual Big Show.

Fashion Collection

The Lasell Fashion Collection contains over 3,000 objects and spans 200 years of fashion history and you can access many pieces through our online catalog.

RUNWAY

Showcase your design, merchandising, management, media, and marketing talents in RUNWAY, Lasell's student-run fashion show.

Study Abroad

Immerse yourself in a fashion center like Florence, Italy. Read about Lasell Fashion majors who have spent a semester living and learning abroad.

DECA Chapter

DECA prepares emerging leaders for successful careers in industries including fashion, business, hospitality, and communications. Create programs and participate in regional and national DECA collegiate events and competitions.

Take Your Next Steps